Separating mechanism



Jan. 14, lg4l. R PRESSLER 2,228,401

SEPARATING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 24, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 J V ENTOR.

P44 PH 5. PeEssL E7? W/W M ATTORNEY.

Jan. 14, 1941. R B PRESSLER 2,228,401

SEPARATING MECHANI SM Filed NOV. 24, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTQRH E44PH 5 PRESSL 5/? Jan. 114-, 1941. R PRESSLER 2,228,401

SEPARATING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 24, 19557 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 BY WW5?ATTORNEY.

'Pa tented'Jan. 14, 1941 Q 1 Y UNITED STATES PATENT oFF cE 2,228,401snimna'rmo MECHANISM Ralph n.- Pressler, Fort Wayne ma, assignor to S.F. Bowser a Company, Incorporated, Fort Wayne,Ind.,acorporationotlndiana1 V Appiihitiop November 24, 1931, sedativ176,283

The invention'disclosed in this application re-, separator devicecomprising a helical fluid conlates to centrifugal means for separatingair and duit, a cylindrical gas conduit within the fluid other gases orvapors from oils, gasolines and conduit, a helical series of openingsbetween the other volatile or non-volatile liquids of similar fluid andgas conduits;

5 character for the purpose of preparing such It is yet another objectof the invention to pro- '5 I l qu s fo e n by mea s f di p cement videa centrifugal separator device comprising 9. meters such as that diclosed in h p e thelical fluid conduit, a cylindrical gas conduit H-Blum #1, '7 i It i a r i d fact within the fluid conduit, a helicalseries'o! openthat such meters will measure gases and vapors m betweenthe fl turns of t fluid it 10 as as'liquids wlththe result that theaccuracy and the gas conduit, the lowerturn o'r turns being 1 v 0f h l qmeasurement will be impaired entirely closed to form a gas coalescingelement.

Such gases and vapors are not removed from the t is still anotherobjectof the invention to pro- Y liquid before 1t 5 Pa through the metervide acentrifugal separator device comprising a. It is recognized that theseparation of gases and helicalfluid conduit, a cylindrical g conduit l5Vapors f liquids by means of centmugal, within the fluid conduit and aseries of openings 1 has been attempted in a number of instances. betwen the mud and gas conduits ,to permit Howevel} in working 1 flows from250 to 'passa 0! gas from the former to the latter, the 2500 gallonsminutg' certain dimculties have pitch of the fluid conduit beingsomewhat dibeen experienced s u axmgh degree at minished in theupperturn to produce a back Separation and infillmmating the separatedgases pressure in the fluid conduit, which assists in disfrom the systemcharging the gas into the gas conduit. is an object of the presentinvention to It is yet another object of the invention to provide animproved centrifugal gas and liquid sepavide. centrifugal means forcausing minute gas m Q r bubbles to coalesce into lar e buo ant bubblesand 5 It is a further object of the invention to provide for-thereafterseparafl'ng coaqesced bubb1es .25 m liquid and gas separator hencalliquid It is a iurther object of the invention to provide dischargeconduit and a centrifugal gas and liquid separator'having a forations insaid conduit arranged in a helical central gas conducting tube and aheucalhne of line having greater pitch than that of the liquid l iconduit. glrofgons for permitting the gas to pass into 30 It is stillanother object oi the invention to pro- A further t e mventmn' is toprovide a vide means for e ecting gases from the closed syssystem ofpower operated valves which will op 'tem o erate seriatim to eject gasfrom a normally closed i It is yet another object of the invention topropressure system vide a primary gas ejecting means and SecondaryAnother object oi the. invention is to connect a 35 gf' sg gg fordischfirgmg gases from piston or greater area than a valve to operatesaid M p fvalve-when substantially the same pressures ap- Another ob ectof the invention is to provide pne-d to both piston and valve, and toprovide float Prima y and seconi ary gas ejecting means in meansforcontmmng-the operation or the piston. 40

4o gfgfi fgg g ggi means are under control Other objects willhecomeapparent from a study or the specification taken in connection with Afurther object of the invention is to provide a accompanying drawings mwhich:

t c ntrolled r ssure o erated' as e ectin I g:, o p e p g Figure 1 is anelevation partially in section Yet another object is to provide a floatconshowing a separator and gas eiectorlstructure trolled pressureoperated gas ejecting valve and adflpteFl 411811511113 Y Small fliiws ofauxiliary pressure operated gas ejecting valves liquid which are undercontrol oi," the float controlled Figure) 2 is an elevatmn' Partially inSection va1ve q V showing a modified form of separator and gas 150 It isanother object o the invention to provide a El structure adapted d g moy combined gas coalescing and separating device. 18st flows of liquid tn n gas.

It isstill'another object of the inventionto pro- Figure 3 is anelevation partially in section vide centrifugal means for causing minutebubbles showing a m of separator and gas of gas in a liquid to coalescereadily, ejector structure adapted for handling very fast It ,is afurther object to provide a centrifugal flows oi liquid containing gas.-55

Figure 4 is an enlarged view partially in section showing the gasejector unit of Figure 1.

Figure 5-is an enlarged view partially in section showing the primarygas ejector unit shown in Figures 2 and 3. Y

Figure 6 is an enlarged view partially in section showing the secondarygas ejector or power valve unit shown in Figures 2 and 3.

Figure '7 is an enlarged view of the valve and piston structure ofFigure'5.

Separator Structure pump, is arranged to enter the bottom portiondescribed is connected withthe. interior of conduit of shell l I and todischarge into'the lower portion of a cylindrical separator element 23which has a bottom head 25, which is open at its'upper end SI, and whichissupported by brackets (not shown) which are fixed to the shell.

The element 23 is disposed with its vertical axis parallel to but oneside-of the axis of the shell I l. A cylindrical gas discharge conduit29 is disposed coaxially within the element 23 and is fixed tothe-bottom head 25 thereof. A helix 2-: havinga plurality ofconvolutions is disposed between the element 23 and the conduit 29 andis fixed to both of said elements to form a helical fluid. conduit 33therebetween. The conduit 69' discharges into said fluid conduit in asubstantially tangential direction.

the annular chamber formed by element 23 and conduit 23 but terminatesat a considerable distance from the upper end 3! of said element 23. Theconduit 23 extends asubstantial distancebeyond the end 3i of element 23but terminates at a point below the minimum level ofliquid in the shell.The minimum liquid level is designated by the line L-L. I

The fluid conduit 33 formed by the element 23, conduit 29 andthe'convolutions of the helix 24 adacent the lower head 25 has nocommunication through conduit 29 to the interior thereof and thelowermost convolution maybe made with a pitch equal to the diameter ofthe inlet conduit I9 so that there will be no restriction of the 'fiowof liquid into the fluid conduit. However, that'portion of the conduit33 above the convolution's just 29 by means of a series of openings 35which are arranged in the form of a helix having substantially the samepitch as the helix 24 but leading it by substantially a half pitch.

The fluid conduit 33 may be choked at its upper send as by reducing thepitch of the helix 2L in a portion of the upper convolution in order tocreate a back-pressure in the channel. This aids in forcing theseparated gases intothe gas discharge conduit.' Thus, the openings willbe formed substantially midway of the sidewallof the conduit 33'adacen'tthe conduit 29. This series of openings terminates with the lastconvolution of helix 24 as is indicated by the numeral 31, Figure. 1.

A drain fitting 39 is disposed in the lowermost portion of the shell Hso that sludge and other impurities maybe removed from the shell. The

fitting 43 having a central opening 45. A tube 41 is inserted'in theopening and fixed to the fitting 43. A fitting 49 is provided tocooperate with fitting 43 and supports agas ejector valve mechanismdescribed below.

Tube 41 is provided with a bottom head 5| which is perforated at 53 toreceive a guide pin 55 which is attached to the lower end of anelongated float 51. Openings 59 are provided in the tube a considerabledistance above the minimum liquid level so that gases accumulated in theshell ll may pass out through the valve indicated generally by thenumeral 81.

Figure 4 discloses the valve structure in detail. It will be seen'fromthis figure that fitting 49 carries a long stud 63 to which ispivoted'at 65 a float operated lever. 61. A float supporting stem 1 69is pivoted at H in the opposite end of lever 61.

A short stud 13 is also attached to the fitting 49 and has pivoted to itat '15 one end of the lever "H. .A connecting link 19 is pivoted at 8|to the opposite end of lever 11 and to the lever 6! at a point 83between the pivots 65 and H thereof.

A valve body 85 is so. ewed into the fitting 49 and is provided with avalve seat 81 which faces toward the interior of shell ll.. A valve 89is mounted forreciprocal motion in said body and is' adapted tocooperate withsaid valve seat. Guide Operation Liquid will be forcedunder pressure through a conduit which is connected by means of acooperating'flange with the flange 2| and by means of conduit L9 andenters the fluid conduit 33 in a substantially tangential direction. Thefluid en- The body 85 is externally] tering the conduit 33 may containfinely divided bubbles of gases and vapors; in fact the fluid enteringthe conduit may be an emulsion of liquid and gases.

Upon entering the lower convolutions of the conduit 33, a centrifugalforce is set up in the liquid which tends to coalesce the fine bubblesof gas so that as the liquid passes to the upper convolutions of thefluid conduit, the gas will be in larger bubbles. aration of the gasfrom the liquid by centrifugal- Under 'such conditions, sep-" force isfeasible and for this reason the series of openings 35 appears first inthat convolution of the fluid conduit 33 in which the. bubbles of airare of sufficient size to permit separation thereof from the liquidwithout too great a discharge of liquid. The length of conduit33E'necessary to effect substantially complete separating of gasses andliquid will vary with certain factors such as the amount of airentrained in the liquid, the velocity of the liquid passing-throughthefluid conduit, the pitch of the helix 24 and consequently of the conduit33 and the'static pressure in the shell ll. The. conduit 33 is thereforemade of suflicient length to eliminate the gases under the worstpossible combination of conditions. The solid liquid will.

be discharged from the annular space between element 23 and conduit 29above the helix 24 into of liquidthrough a .conduit a receptacle for thedegasifled liquid.

Figure 1' discharged from the body I5 to a meter and to,

and liquid is constantly The gas conduit 29 extends above edge 3i 0!element 23 so that there'will be little danger of again mixing theseparated gas with the liquid which is discharged fromthe'annularpassage..

This conduit 29 terminates below the minimum liquid level, so that thedischarge of gases from said. conduit will be-eflected with the leastpos-' sible turbulence. If the gas conduit terminated above the liquidlevel, liquid, issuing therefrom ould splash down into the body ofliquid and create a turbulence which would tend to cause the gas toagain become entrained in the solid body of liquid. In-applicant'sconstruction the gases issue from conduit 29in large buoyantbubbleswhich rise rapidly through the liquid over lying the conduitwithout becoming entrained therein and burst at the surface. I As gasaccumulates in the shell II, the liq id level will be depressed andfloat 51 which moves with the liquid level will be lowered. Aninspection of Figure 4 discloses that lowering of the float causes adownward motion of valve 89 in the body 85so that the valve will open topermit gases to escape through openings 59 in tube 41 pastvalve 89, seat81 and into the atmosphere. The tube 41 guides the float and maintainsit in an uprightposition while the head,5l limits the downward'travelthereof so that the valve cannot restrict the discharge passage in thevalve body. The gas chamber has a largecapacity to assist in cushioningimpact. Unless a severe gas condition exists, the'release of gas willresult in a. rising" liquid level which will cause anl upward motion offloat 51 and a closureof the valve 89 against its seat 81. This cyclewill automatically be repeated as often as necessary to maintain theliquid levelabove the upper terminal of gas conduit. 29.

The apparatus just described is capableof handling the 'flows of up toapproximately-250 gallons per minute.

Modified separator and gas discharge structure convolutions"convolutions'. 6f the conduit In handling larger flowsthan the maximummentioned above in connection with the apparatus just described, certaindifficulties have been encountered which require a modified form of saidapparatus. v s

Figure 2 discloses a shell III which is provided with head 5, and whichis supported on legs H3. The shell is also provided with a dischargeconduit II5 having a flange'l'l'l and with an inlet conduit Shaving aflange I2I adapted for connection with a source of fluid under pressure,which is usually a pump. The inlet conduit II9 discharges tangentiallyinto a helical fluid conduit I33'which is formed by a cylindricalelement I23 having a bottom head I25, a helix I24 and a gas dischargetube I29. The element I23 is supported on brackets I24 which are fixedto it and to the shell III.

The fluid conduit I33 extends'in a plurality of to .a point at somedistance below the upper end I3I of the element I23.. The lower f.convolution of conduit I33 is of somewhat'greater itch than the rest forthe same reason as that advanced in connection with the device of Figurel. substantially the-lower one-and one quarter I33. are imperforate,jwhereasflconvolutions: of the fluid conduit disthe body'liquid which ismaintained above the.

. level in shell I I indicated by line L-L in posed adjacent 'said lowerconvolutions are provided with a series of openings I35 which formcommunications between said conduit and the interior of the gasdischarge conduit I29.

The upper end of conduit I33 may be reduced in cross-sectional area ifdesired so that a backpressure' will be created in the channel. This maybe conveniently accomplished by reducing the pitch of the terminalportion or the helix I24.

,It has been determined by experiment that in 'separators of the sizecontemplated, the pitch of the helical series of openings I35 should begreater than the pitch of the helix'l24 so as to eliminate" anundesirable pocketing of gases in the angle formed by the upper andinner walls of the sectionsof conduit I33 in the upper convolutionsthereof.

Thus, while the first opening I35 in the helical series is disposedsubstantially in the central portion of the inner wall of channel I33,the final or terminal opening of the series I31 which is disposed at theupper end of conduit I33 will be disposed in the upper portion of theinner wall of said conduit. The upper end of gas. conduit 'I29' islocated below the minimum liquid level in shell III, indicated for thepurpose set forth above in connection with the mechanism of Figure 1.

- Drain fitting I39 is disposed in the lower portion of the shell topermit withdrawal of sludge. The upper head I of the shell is providedwith afittin'm which may be attached the flange I45 of [a valve mechanumeral I41. A second fitting I43 is provided in the head I4Ieccentrically thereof and isadapted to receive the flange I5I of a power,valve I hub IN-having a valve stem guide opening I85.

A second chamber I81 is formed by a recess I89 in the upper end of thevalve body and a cap or closure "I which is adapted to sealingly engagethe valve body. The chamber is in the form of a cylinder having its axiscoincident with that of the valve seat I83 and guide opening I85 andcommunicates with the chamber I88 through a port I88.

A liner I13 may be inserted in said cylinder to receive a pipe fittingwhich is formed on the end of conduit I8I shown in FigureZ. The pistonI15 is provided with a plurality of ports I83 (see Figures 5 and '1) whch are in alignment with ports I88 and which 'rmit communication bevtween cylinder I81 and the chamber I88. The ports I83 terminate inbosses I85 which are raised above the upper surface of the piston andwhich are adapted to be controlled by a valve I81 which is mounted on avalve rod I89.

A valve member I9I is mounted on a tube I93 whichpassesthrough the guideopening I85 and which is fixed at its uppenend tothe piston I15.

by the line L-L in Figure 2,

nism indicated generally by the '58 toform a smooth operating surfacefor the piston Thus the valve I9I and the piston I15 are mounted to movetogether. The effective area of piston I15 is considerably'greater thanthe effective area of valve I9I for a purpose which will be 5 describedbelow.

Valve rod I09 passes through tube I93 and is connected at its lower endby means of a pivot I95 to a link I91 which is in turn connected by apivot I99 to a float operated arm 20I Said arm 10 I is pivoted at 203 toa standard 205 which depends from'the flange I45 and has connected to Kit at its opposite end a float 201.

The valve rod I89 is provided at its lower end with a cone shaped valveI90 which is tapered 15 upwardly and which is adapted to cooperate witha valve seat I92 formed in the lower end of the valve stem I93.

A plurality of pins 209 are mounted in said piston I15 in closeproximity to the valve I81 0 so as to hold it in proper cooperativerelation over the ports I83. This is necessary because the valve rod I89has considerable clearance within the tube I93 to permit passage of gasfrom the interior of the shell III into the cylinder I13 through tubeI93. 4

A manifold conduit 2, Figure 2, is adapted to be connected to theopening I51 of the valve body I41, and to opening 2I1 in the powr valveI53. The end of the manifold 2 adjacent valve I41 is open to atmospherefor reasons which will be disclosed below.

Reverting now to the power .valve disclosed in Figure 6 and indicatedgenerally by the numeral I53, it will be seen that this valve comprisesa, body 2I3 having a chamber 2I5 which is provided with an opening 2I1which passes through the valve body and which is threaded for connectionwith the conduit 2| I. The cham ber 2I5 is connected by means of anopening 2i9 with the interior of shell III.

A member 22I is fitted in the opening 2I9 and is provided with a valveseat 223 and a valve stem guide 225. A cylindrical chamber 221 is formedin the upper portion of the valve body and the outer end thereof isclosed by cap 229 while a port 228 establishes communication be tweenthe cylinder and chamber 2I5. The cylinder may be provided with a liner233 so that a smooth "working surface will be provided for the piston23I which is mounted on a stem 235 which projects through chamber 2I5and through the guide 225 and carries a valve member 231 at its lowerend. The valve is adapted to cooperate with the seat 223 as the pistonis operated.

5 A spring 239 surrounds the valve stem 235 andis confined between theguide 225 and a spring seat 240 on the piston. The effective area ofpiston 23I is considerably greater than the effective area of the valve231 for reasons which 60 will be disclosed below.

Operation U In the operation of the equipment just described, liquidwill enter the conduit II9 and 05 the conduit I33 where it will besubjected to centrifugal force. Gases and vapors in a finally dividedstate are dispersed throughout the liquid and the walls of the lowermostconvolutions of conduit I33 are imperforate so that the cen- 70 trifugalforce set up in said convolutions will be given an opportunity to forcethe finally divided air bubbles to collect around conduit I29 where theywill coalesce into larger bubbles so that separation of the gases fromthe liquid will be feasible.

As the liquid with the coalesced gases pass into the upper convolutionsof the channel, the liquid being heavier will be thrown against theelement I23 while the gases which have collected adjacent the conduit'I29 will pass through the openings I35 to the interior of the gas con- 6duit and will be conducted upwardly therein.

Conduit I33 need be extended only to such a length as is required toseparate all of the gases from the liquid. This distance will vary withconditions of velocity, quantity of gas, etc., hence .the length shouldbe that required to effect complete separation under the worstcombination of conditions. The gas free liquid will flow over the edge I3I of member I23- into the main body of liquid in the shell II I whilethe gases discharge 15 from the conduit I29 to pass upward through theoverlying liquid in the form of large buoyant bubbles which burst at theliquid level and the gas collects in the upper portion of the chamber.

It has been found by experiment that there is 2. a tendency for gas toaccumulate in the corner of the conduit I33 formed by the upper andinner walls in the upper convolutions of the conduit. To facilitate theremoval of these trapped gases, the pitch of the helical series ofopenings 25 I35 is made sufliciently greater than thepitch of theconduit I33 so that the openings I35 will be disposed nearer the cornerin the upper convolutions of said conduit in which the gases tend tocollect. 30

Normally the heat 201 will be raised sufliciently to maintain the valveI90 on its seat I92. Under such conditions the gas pressure in shell IIIwill be excluded from the interior of tube I93. The valve I81 will alsooccupy its upper- 35 most position and will uncover the ports I93 sothat the pressure above the piston will be the same as that in chamberI60. The valve I9I will be held against seat I63 because the pressure inthe shell is greater than that in the cham- 40 her I60. The opening ofconduit I11 inthe cylinder will be covered by the piston in its upperposition.

As the liquid level shell III is forced downwardly toward the minimumlevel indicated by 45 L-L, by an accumulation of gas, the pin I99 willreach the lower end 01' slot 200 in link I91 whereupon further downwardtravel of the float will lower valve I90 from its seat, and admit gas tothe interior oftube I93. This gas will pass 50 up into cylinder I61 andsome of it will escape through ports I83 until the motion of the floatis sufilcient to seat valve I81 on the ports ,I83 whereupon a pressurewill be built up in the cylinder I13 behind piston I15 which is equal tothe pressure on the inside of shell III. Since the effective area ofpiston I15 is greater than the effective area of valve I9I which issubjected to the gas pressure mentioned, the downward displacement ofthe piston I15, tube I93 and valve 00 I9I will ensue and the upperportion of the shell III will be connected to atmosphere through bpeningI59, chamber I and the opening I51. At the same time, the piston onreaching its lowermost position will uncover port I11. After asufficient quantity of the gas has been vented to atmosphere the liquidlevel will rise sufllciently to raise the float 201. This motion of thefloat will be transmitted to valve rod I99 and thence to valves ,I91 andI90. The latter will be lifted to its seat I92 and wlllexclude gas underpressure from said tube I93. The just described movement of valve I91will uncover the ports I93 and the pressure in cylinder I13'will bereleased through these ports to chamber I00 to balance the 7 pressure onthe piston. The gas pressure on valve valve mechanism is provided.Itwill be recalled that the c'onduitllfl which leads to pipe l9! wasuncovered by the piston I15 in its downward stroke. This pipe I81 isconnected with an opening 23!! in the cap 229 of the power valveindicated generally by the numeral I53. Thus if the pressure in cylinderI13 should continue to rise in spite of the fact that the valve m isopen, this increasing pressure will he transmitted through the pipe l8lto the cylinder 221 and when the pressure on piston 23! issufllcient toovercome the spring 239 and the pressure on the valve 231, the

power valve 231 will be opened and gases will be discharged through theopening 2|9, the chamber 2 I 5 in the power valve body, opening 2 l1 andconduit 2 to atmosphere so that there will now be two gas dischargevalves functioning to relieve the gas pressure in shell I l I.

As the pressureis relieved, the spring 239 in the power valve and thegas pressure on valve 231 will over-balance the pressure on the piston23l and the power valve will close and thereafter, 'if the gas pressuredrops still further, the rising liquid level acting on float 201 willclose the valve I90 and thevgas discharge will be terminated by valveIS! in the manner just described.

The apparatus just described is capable. of handling flows or liquid upto 100 gallons a minute.

The twin separator mechanism For separating gases from liquid which isflowing at rates of up. to 2500 gallons a minute, it is convenient todivide the flow and treat each pertion of the stream individually in aseparator element. The mechanism for accomplishing this is disclosed inFigure 3 in which a shell 243 is formed with top and bottom heads 245and 241, respectively, and is maintained with its longitudinal axisvertical by legs or supports 249.

The inlet conduit 25] is provided with a flange 253 for connection witha pipe line. Two cylinders 255 and 251 are mountedwithin the shell andin contact with each other by meansof brackets (not shown) and theconduit 25l. merges with these cylinders in a direction such that itsaxis forms'the tangent of both of said cylinders at their point ofcontact.

Gas conduits 259 and 26! are disposed concentrically with respect tosaid cylinder 255 and 251,- respectively, and the annular's'pace betweenthe cylinder 255 and conduit 259 is'formed into a helical fluid conduit263 by means of a left hand heiix 265 while the annular space betweencylinder 251 and conduit 26! is formed into a helical fluid conduit 261by a right handed helix 269.

The lower convolution of each of the condrii 263 and 261 is of greatrpitch than the remainder to receive the flow from conduit 25l withoutsubstantially restricting it. In this modiflcationsubstantially thelower two convolutions of; the fluid conduit have imperforate wallswhereas the convolutions of the conduits adjacent said lowerconvolutions are provided with a series of openings 211 arranged in theform or a helix havformed by the gas discharge conduit. The fluidconduits terminate short of the cylinders 255 and 251 and thus dischargeinto an annular space between said cylinders and the gas dischargeconduits. .While the latter extend substantially above the ends of saidcylinders.-

In order to secure the pressure in'the fluid conduits necessary to forcegas from said conduit through the openings into the gas conduits whenthe velocity of the fluid is not sufiicient to create the centrifugalforce necessary to producethis pressure, approximately the last half ofthe upper convolution of each conduit is made with a graduallydiminishing pitch, or in other words, it is choked to reduce its crosssectional area.

Bottom heads such as the head 213 close the lower ends of boththecylinders 255 and 251 and the'gas discharge tubes, 259 and 26l, so thatthe liquid can flow only in an upward direction through the fluidconduit. A sludge drainout connection 215 is provided in the lower head241. A fitting 211 is provided pent-rally of the upper head 245 for thereception of the fitting I45 of a float operated valve such as thatdisclosed in Figure 5 while connections 219 are provided eccentricallyof the head to receive powervalves such as those disposed in Figure 6. v

Connections 26| are provided for facilitating the assembly of the gasdischarge conduit 2| I and the pipe l8l is connected to transmitpressure from the piston chamber of the float valve I41 to the cylinders221 of each of the power valves I53.

Operation In operation liquid having gas entrained therein will enterthefluid conduits 263 and 269 from the inlet conduit 25], the flow in eachof said fluid conduits being substantially half of that in the inletconduit. Inthe lower convolutions of said fluid conduits, the finelydivided gas bubbles will coalesce adjacent the gas conduits due to thecentrifugal forces setup by the flow of liquid in the helical conduitand by the time the fluid reaches the-portion of the conduit whichispr'ovided with the helical .series of openings, the bubbles will be ofsuflicient size to render centrifugal separation of the gas and liquidfeasible.

This separation is effected as the liquid and entrained gas flowsthrough the remainder of cylinders andgas conduits, the liquid will besubstantially free of gases. Liquid being more dense than the entrappedgases will be thrown against the wall of the-fluid conduit formed by thecylinder, while the gases will collect adjacent the gas tube 259 andwill be forced by the pressure in the fluid conduit through the openingsin the 1 inner walls of said conduit to the interior of the gasdischarge tube. i j

The upper ends of these tubes are disposed below the liquid level in theshell 243 which is indicated by the line L-L (Figure 3) and the gasdischarged from the tubes rises through the liquid large buoyant bubbleswhich burst at the liquid free liquid merges with the solid body ofliquid in shell 243 and passes through the discharge opening in theshell III which is not shown but which is disposed substantially inalignment with the inlet conduit 25L As gas collects in the upperportion of said shell, the liquid level will be depressed, float 201will be lowered and willeifect the opening of valves I90 and I9! throughthe mechanism disclosed in Figure 5 and described above so that gas maybe discharged through the conduit 2 to atmosphere. Thepressure in theshell 243 is transmitted by pipe l8! t6 the cylinders of the powervalves when thevalve l9l is fully opened pass the gas to atmosphere. Asthe pressure in.

the chamber is reduced, however, the power valve having the strongerspring 239 will first close and as the pressure is further reduced thepower valve having the weaker spring will be closed while the valve |9lwill not be closed until the float 201 is raised by a rising liquidlevel.

- The "choked construction of the fluid conduit described in connectionwith this modification may obviously be applied to the othermodifications disclosed if thisis necessary or desirable and likewisethe principle of disposing the openings in the gas conduit in a helixhaving a pitch greater than that of the fluid conduit may be applied tothe unit disclosed in Figure 1.

In any given case the number of convolutions having imperforate wallsnecessary to eflect the coalescence of the gas bubbles will be governedby the conditions under which the fluid is being treated and the natureof the fluid. If too few convolutions are provided, a great deal ofliquid carryingmany small bubbles will pass into the gas dischargeconduit and these bubbles will not have suflicient buoyancy to carrythem up to the gas collecting chamber. Consequently separa-.

tion will be incomplete.-

Similarly if too few convolutions having perforated' walls are provided,not all the gas will be forced out of. the fluid channel and anincomplete separation will be had.

The velocity or the liquid'passing through the fluid channel must createsufllcient centrifugal force in the fluid-to effect the separation ofthe gas from the liquid and to generate sufllcient pressurein theconduit to force the gas therefrom. The latter condition can be assistedby the described choking or the channel.

It is obvious that various changes may be made in the form, constructionand arrangement or the parts disclosed above by way of illustration andtherefore applicant does not desire to be limited to the specific formsshown in the drawings and described herein but desires instead to belimited only to construction which fall fairly within *a scope of theappended claims.

What I claim to be new and desire to protect by Letters Patent of theUnited States of America ,1.'In a gasfand liquid separating device, achamber, means for maintaining liquidin said level and collect beneaththe head 245. The gas chamber above a predetermined level, concentricupwardly directed tubes, mounted in said chamber, means for closingthelower ends thereof, a helix extending between said tubes and joinedtherewith to form a helical fluid conduit therewith, means formingopenings connecting said conduit with the inner one of said tubes, saidinner tube extending beyond the upper end of said outer tube butterminating in an opening disposed below said predetermined liquidlevel.

2. In a gas and liquid separating device, a chamber,. means formaintaining liquid in said chamber above a predetermined level, meansforming a helical conduit comprising a plurality of convolutions, anupwardly directed tube disposed substantially at the axis of saidhelical conduit, means forming radially inwardly directed openings forconnecting said conduit with said tube, said openings being arranged ina single helical series having a pitch'greater than that of the helicalconduit, said tube having its upper end open and disposed below saidpredetermined level.

3. m a gas and liquid separator device, a chamber, means for maintainingliquid in said chamber above a predetermined level, wall means forming ahelical separating conduit having a plurality of convolutions, anupwardly directed tube encompassed laterally by said conduit, meansforming a helically arranged series of radially inwardly extendingopenings in. said conduit for connecting it with said tube, said conduithaving liquid inlet and outlet openings at opposite ends,-

said series of openings terminating in a convolution in advance of thatadjacent the outlet opening, the helix of said series of openings being3 substantiallya half pitch in advance of the helix of said conduit,said tube being open at thetop and terminating at a point belowsaidpredetermined level. I J

4. In a liquid and gas separating device, the combination of acontainer, means for maintain- 'ing the liquid in the container above apredeter-. mined level, means associated with said con- "tainer forseparating the liquid and the gases being upwardly directed in saidchamber and belng open at its upper end, and .said liquid outlet beingdisposed at a lower level than said gas outlet.

5. In a gas and liquid separating device, the combination or acontainer, a gas and liquid separator in said container comprising ahelical separating element, means for supplying a flow of liquid mixedwith gas to said separating element, an

upwardly directed gas discharge conduit for said separating element,passages for connecting the end, disposedby a series of 6.-In a gas andliquid separating device, the combination or means forming a chamber,means for normally maintaining liquid above a predetermined level in.said chamber, a separator unit in said chamber comprising a helicalseparator conduit, a gas conduit disposed substantially parallel to theaxis of said helical conduit and connected to the inner gas collectingportion thereof passages, said gas conduit being upwardly directed andopen at the top, said coriduits being adapted to discharge gas and gasfree liquid into said body of liquid below said level, means forsupplying a flow of fluid to said separator unit, said liquid levelmaintaining means comprising a gas vent valve, mounted to move outwardlyto close, a motor connected to operate said valve, a float in saidcontainer, means for mountingsaid float to enable it to follow the levelof liquid in the chamber, and means operated by said float forcontrolling the operation of said motor. a

7. In a gas and liquid separating device, the

combination of means forming a chamber, means for normally maintainingliquid above a predetermined level in said chamber, a separator unit insaid chamber comprising a spiral separator conduit, an upwardly directedgas discharge conduit open at the top and disposed substantiallyparallel to the axis of said spiral, gas passages connecting theradially inner portion of said spiral conduit with said gas conduit, anda liquid discharge conduit connected with said spiral conduit, saidconduits being adapted to discharge gas and liquid separately into saidbody of liquid .below said level, means for supplying a flow of fluid tosaid separator unit, said liquid level' maintaining means comprising agas vent valve, mounted to move outwardly to close, a motor connected tooperate said valve, a float mounted to enable it to follow the level ofliquid in the chamber, control means for said motor, means connectingsaid control means for operating by said float to effect an opening ofsaid valve as the.

liquid level falls.

8. In a gas and liquid separator, the combination of a chamber, meansfor normally maintaining liquid abovea predetermined level in saidchamber, a separator unit mounted in said chamber comprising a spiralconduit adapted to separate gases and liquid and connected by gaspassages to an upwardly directed gas discharge conduit open at the top,said gas and spiral conduits being adapted for discharging said gas andliquid charging liquid into said chamber.

, said liquid level maintaining means comprising a primary vent valve,power means for operating said valve, control means for governing theoperation of said power means in accordance with the volume of separatedgases in said chamber, a secondary vent valve, secondary power means foroperating said secondary valve, control means for governing said lastnamed valve in accordance with both the volume and the pressure of thegases in said chamber.

9. In a gas and liquid separator, the combination of a chamber, meansfor normally maintaining liquid above a predetermined level in saidchamber, a spiral separator conduit mounted in said chamber adapted toseparate gases and liquid, an upwardly directed gas discharge conduitprovided with an opening at its upper end below the liquid level,'gaspassages for connecting the l gas collecting portions of said spiralconduit with said gas conduit and a liquid discharge opening for saidspiral conduit disposed below said level for discharging liquid fromsaid spiral conduit into said chamber, said liquid level maintainingmeans comprising a primary vent valve, pressure responsive means foroperating said'valve and float operated ,means for controlling theadmission of gases from said chamber to said pressure responsive means.

10. In a gas and liquid separator, the combination of a chamber, meansfor normally maintaining liquid above a predetermined level in chamber,a separator unit mounted in said chamber adapted to separate gases andliquid and comprising a centrifugal gas separating unit, an upwardlydirected gas discharge conduit provided with an opening at its upper endbelow the liquid level, gas passages connecting said separating and gasconduits, and a discharge for said separating conduit opening below saidlevel for dissaid liquid level maintaining means comprising a primaryvent valve, pressure responsive means for operating said valve and floatoperated means for controlling the admission of gases from said chamberto said pressure responsive means, secondary said

